Poems

Aphra Behn, “The Disappointment”

Behn (1640?–1689) was a prolific and highly successful playwright, author of The Widdow Ranter, included in this volume, and a contributor to the novel in its earliest English forms, most famously Oroonoko, or, the Royal Slave, which was adapted by Thomas Southerne into a play that was performed long into the eighteenth century. She was also well known for her poetry.

From The Country Wife

“The Royal Buss”

“The Royal Buss” in George deF. Lord. Ed. Poems on Affairs of State: Augustan Satirical Verse, 1660–1714. Volume I: 1660–1678. New Haven, CT & London: Yale University Press, 1963, 263–4.

Uncertainly attributed to John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, this poem attacks Charles II’s attempts at suppressing Parliamentary action through his relationship with Louise de Keroualle (Carwell).

From All For Love

The Queen’s Ball

Georg deF. Lord, Poems on Affairs of State: Augustan Satirical Verse, 1660–1714. Vol. I: 1660–1678. New Haven, CT and London: Yale University Press, 1963, 421–2.

Catherine of Braganza was the much overlooked consort of King Charles II. She largely escaped satire as well as notice during Charles’ reign, and this is a rare example that makes fun of the Queen’s attempts to please her husband, who liked dancing.

From All For Love

“Polly,” in Weekly Journal or British Gazetteer, May 4, 1728.

This poem is an example of the kind of popular response that The Beggar’s Opera generated.

From The Beggar's Opera